(1,3,7 Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione)
Caffeine is a substance most all of us are familiar with that is naturally occurring in various leaves and beans. It is a drug that is consumed by the vast majority of the world as it is found in coffee, teas and numerous beverages. Caffeine has been with us since the dawn of time, but it was first isolated in 1819 and then later synthesized in 1895.
Caffeine is a well-known stimulant; in fact, this is the primary reason people consume beverages that contain caffeine, especially coffee. It is also used as an aid in fat loss as it holds metabolic stimulating effects, although it’s very possible to overdue them. Caffeine also holds medical purposes, although not many.
Caffeine Functions & Traits
Caffeine (1,3,7 Trimethylpurine-2,6-dione) is a sympathomimetic of the methylxanthine family of drugs. It is officially classified as a psychoactive drug, which refers to any substance that chemically alters brain function.
From a medical standpoint caffeine has been used to treat such conditions as orthostatic hypotension (low blood pressure), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (infant lung disorder) and other related conditions. It is also sometimes used in medical based weight loss plans, although this is primarily an area of use outside of medical use and one that’s far more commonly seen in the dietary supplement industry.
Fat loss provided by caffeine is due to the drug producing a slight increase in body temperature. Body heat goes up and more calories are burned. This is one of the most common reasons gym rats and athletes will use the substance. It’s also commonly used for its stimulating effects, which can produce a bump in energy and endurance.
Effects of Caffeine
Caffeine can have a positive impact on fat loss when used properly. It will not make you lose body fat on its own, but can help improve the metabolic rate when dieting properly. It is often used in conjunction with Ephedra or similar substances in order to boost the metabolic increasing effects. It is most commonly found in fat burning supplements when used for this purpose.
The effects of caffeine are also well known for promoting enhanced performance, particularly as it pertains to energy. Many athletes will consume caffeine 30-60 minutes before training or competition in order to boost their energy and concentration levels. Unfortunately, too much can make concentration difficult, but it does take quite a bit for this to occur. The drug is most commonly found in pre-workout supplements when used for this purpose.
Side Effects of Caffeine
There are possible side effects of caffeine. The side effects of caffeine are primarily related to genetic sensitivities, overuse or overdose. The drug is also one that the body will often adapt to fairly fast, and that will require the individual to take more and more over time. This can also prove to be problematic. Despite possible side effects of caffeine it is considered a fairly safe drug, but abuse can certainly cause problems. The most common side effects of caffeine include:
- Anxiety
- Jittery
- Insomnia
- Withdrawal (can cause headaches, lack of energy and generally a low feeling)
- Caffeine Addiction
The base possible side effects of caffeine are very easy to avoid in most individuals who use the substance responsibly. However, there are individuals who are extremely sensitive and cannot consume caffeine without dealing with sleep issues (insomnia) or an uncomfortable wired feeling.
Important Note: Overdoses of caffeine can cause an over stimulation of the central nervous system (CNS). This may cause irritability, rapid heart rate, irregular bowel movements, muscle twitching and general poor mood. Very high doses may also cause depression, disorientation and even hallucinations in bad cases. Damage to the bones (rhabdomyolysis) is also possible. Massive doses can also lead to death. Doses of a large nature that may cause death are most commonly associated with taking pure caffeine in powder form.
Caffeine Administration
Caffeine is administered orally. The best way to take caffeine is simply by drinking the beverage that contains it. For larger doses it will be found in various fat burners and pre-workouts, generally all are over the counter. You can also take caffeine in its pure raw form, but this is advised against in most all cases. It is very easy to overdo pure caffeine doses and is the primary reason death would ever be caused. It’s not common at all for severe complications to occur from caffeine use when taken in a drink or supplement form. It truly takes massive amounts to cause damage in such cases. But powder and pure caffeine can be very dangerous.
For a performance boost, 200-300mg per day is generally standard. This amount is found in many energy drinks. 500mg is about as high as most will go. Doses that approach or surpass 1,000mg (1g) per day will typically cause negative caffeine symptoms.
Availability of Caffeine
Caffeine is available in every country around the world and is a legal substance across the board. There is no shortage and it can be found in every store and corner shop around the globe in some form.
Buy Caffeine Online
You can buy caffeine online in pure raw form, but there is no reason to do so. You can also buy caffeine online from various supplement manufacturers when it’s part of the supplement’s formula and is the only reason one would ever legitimately buy caffeine online.
Caffeine Reviews
Caffeine is a welcomed product by most if for no other reason than the pep it puts in our step from our morning jolt. It can be effective as weight loss tool, but only when combined with other ingredients that are designed to help with that purpose. Using caffeine by itself would take massive amounts to have a significant weight loss effect and would be problematic. However, when combined with the right ingredients it can be valuable. For the athlete looking for a boost in energy, this can be a useful tool, but it’s one that cannot be used every day indefinitely if you’re to continue to get a positive benefit. The body adapts rapidly to caffeine, and this is something that should be kept in mind.